The study of written language, controlled assessment guidance - CCEASample question and answer - tips

Firstly, you need to examine the extract / section in detail. With regard to Section 3, you could include some of the following points in your essay.

• Curley is not a danger to Slim because Slim stands up to him. He enters the bunkhouse apologising to Slim, "Well, I didn't mean nothing, Slim. I just ast you."
• He doesn’t appear to be much of a threat to the ranch workers in Section 3 as Carlson calls him a "God damn punk," and Candy mocks his "Glove fulla vaseline".
• However, Curley chooses the target of his anger with care when he attacks Lennie for supposedly laughing at him. Note Steinbeck’s use of the simile, “Curley stepped over to Lennie like a terrier."
• Curley realises a reluctance in Lennie to fight (Lennie promised George not to get involved with Curley) and takes advantage with his superior boxing skills, “Curley was balanced and poised."
• He beats Lennie remorselessly, “He slashed at Lennie with his left, and then smashed down his nose” – note Steinbeck’s use of onomatopoeic verbs “slashed” and “smashed”.
• He continues to hit Lennie despite obvious serious injuries to Lennie.
• He only stops when Lennie crushes his hand, note Steinbeck’s use of the simile “Curley was flopping like a fish on a line”.
• Slim has to blackmail Curley to make sure he doesn’t take revenge on Lennie, "I think you got your han' caught in a machine. If you don't tell nobody what happened ... we'll tell ever'body, an' then will you get the laugh."

Your teacher may wish you to refer to other parts of the novel – this is not a formal requirement. You may wish to include some of the following points. Remember to find evidence and quotations to back up your opinions.

• Curley suspects Slim of having a relationship with his wife.
• He threatens George but feels it is too even a match and he might lose, so he retreats.
• He does not show any grief after the death of his wife but he wants revenge.
• He organises the men to arm themselves to hunt Lennie and suggests that Lennie die painfully with a gunshot to the guts.
• Curley’s instant dislike of Lennie when he squares up to him on first meeting, he would have started a fight if George had not intervened.
• He orders Lennie to speak next time he is spoken to.
• Curley’s attitude to “big guys”.
• Curley’s wife’s fear of Curley may imply that he mistreats her.